Giving Thanks

[Guest avid]

Last night I was on the water and it was beautiful. As close to perfection as any basser could hope for. The air temp was in the 70's. There was a steady moderate breeze blowing from the south. The fish were biting a variety of baits. I was catching both numbers and size (up to 5+ lbs.) and my soul and the universe were joined in the blissful oneness that Rick Clunn refers to as "touching perfection"

I began to reflect on this site and how much it, and all of you mean to me.

So at the risk of sounding unfashionably senitmental, or even worse, forgetting to mention someone I really care about, allow me to indulge myself in this excercise of gratititude.

I want to list and comment on some of the wonderful individuals I have "met" here and consider friends.

1. Glenn - The myth, the legend, the one and only. He who makes all that is BassResource.com possible. Thank you for your vision, hard work, and steady hand at the helm of this wonderful place. I'm delighted to see some major advertisers (BPS, Cabellas etc.) come on board. I wish you all success.

2. LBH - Perhaps the first person who I could kid around with and showed me that BassResource.com is more than just a bass site, but a community of people who share and care.

3. RW - the tireless welcomer and contributer. Strong willed. taught me that "nice" is not mandatory but respect is. A generous soul couched in a crusty exterior. My kind of guy.

4. Chris - The most knowlegeable bass person I have ever known. Always took the time to give detailed, on target answers to my questions. A wealth of knowledge that he is pleased to share.

5. Lightning Rod - The quintessential Southern Gentleman. Never a harsh word. Always positive.

The kind of guy that makes the world a better place.

6. Muddyman - The best friend I have never met. Funny, serious, heart of gold. Has battle scars, but is the personification of the famous quote from Frederick Nietzsche "That which does not kill me, makes me stronger." My brother.

7. Alpster. Someone who not only "talks the talk" but "walks the walk" when it comes to the essence of the Christian spirit. A beautiful person.

8. Cap'n Cali - An interesting, good hearted soul, who has grown as a bass fisherman and human being while a member of this site.

9. Senko 77 - Taught me that it's ok to reach out to strangers. They can surprise you with their good works.

10. Rolo, Stan, Keith, for kindly taking me fishing when I was on the DL

11. George Welcome, who knows Florida bass better than anyone I have ever known. When he gives you a tip, it's guaranteed gold. Also his "crew" SteveP and WWF (funny name but false I'll wager)

12. Raul, who taught me that it's ok to spend more than you ever dreamed of for fishing tackle. It has added tremendously to my enjoyment.

13. The fun guys like Fourbizzle, Edbassmaster, Matt-fly and others who make me laugh.

14. Troutfisher, who takes the time to passionately argue with me about everything political, but always with respect.

15. The South Florida boyz, Jason, Alex, Hale, Syfer, GTbehary, great bunch of guys

16. Randall, 5BL, Glenn who are always there to provide answers and truly want to help others become better fisherman.

17. Reelmech who cares for my reels better than I do.

18. Bassfisherman - One of a handful of people to whom this site really matters.

19. All the members of the "broken fins fishing fools". A very special group.

There are many other guys like Whittler, BucketmouthAngler, Craw, Sam and many others too numerous to mention who I am glad to be affiliated with.

I feel like BassResource.com is my "neighborhood" and y'all are my friends and neighbors.

I couldn't ask for a better place.

With warmest regards,

avid  

[Guest the_muddy_man]

Hey Avid wow I have trouble hearing someone talk about me this way It is very Humbling Thanks Man

Nothing more I can say except your friendship means a lot to me

Bueno Note Mio Fratello

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

I know exactly how you feel Avid.  

[Alpster]

Avid,

Whoa buddy, you got me all teared up here. :'( I appreciate your kind words and I too, am gratefull to you and the others on the board that contribute so much to my experience here. Among a 1000 things I am excited about the Fork trip, meeting you is high on the list.

Ronnie

[5bass]

Thanks avid for posting that. I know everyone respects your opinions,enjoys your posts and the insightful one-liners you throw around. ;D We're all glad that you are here.

[RiskKid.]

Well put Avid......it is like an old fashoined neighborhood where you really knew the neighbors. I too am really looking forward to meeting folks at the Fork.

[BucketmouthAngler13]

Thanks avid.   I think we can all agree BassResource.com became a better place the day you signed up. You and muddy are the cause of many a drink spewed out onto my keyboard from laughter. People are always asking me where I get my funny lines from, and are surprised when I tell them they are from a bass fishing forum.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

......it is like an old fashoined neighborhood where you really knew the neighbors.

What a great way to put it! ( now keep your darn dog off my lawn!)

[roadwarrior]

Peace be with you.

[paparock]

I give thanks for this site and all the people here also. It was the first forum that really got me into forums and it is still my favorite where I feel at home. While I am on a number of other NON-fishing forums (and even a moderator on a military one now) so I don't spend as much time here as I would like to this is the best forum and site bar none on the web!!!  

[Troutfisher]

Thanks Avid. I enjoy having constructive debates with you on political issues, but always respectfully, and if I ever really tick you off, just slap me. ;D

I too enjoy the site, I come here every day (yes, I need a life). I always look forward to posting fishing results here and responding to others. People like you (Avid) who I can have an honest debate with just shows our character. We can have a debate, but still come away as friends. Here, surrounded by honest guys and gals, I feel at "home" as well.

[BASS fisherman]

Wow Avid, thanks alot.  That means alot to me.  

This place does feel like a neighborhood, I can't count the times I received help from other members on here that had nothing at all to do with bass fishing.  This site and the members have helped me become not only a better angler, but to grow as a person as well.  I have learned way more than just bass fishing here that to put it into words is simply not possible.  Thanks  

[fourbizz]

An honor to make a list so prestigious Avid! You are a friggin funny dude, and you bring humor to my desktop on a daily basis!

I think most would agree that if we (the members) made a list in this light, your name would be at the top.

Get healthy...and learn how to take a picture you ol' coot!

[Glenn]

Went a little heavy on the THC there, did you Avid? LOL

Kidding aside, I appreciate your kind remarks, and those of everyone else. Clearly this place wouldn't be the same without everyone who comes here. There are times I find myself laughing so hard I start choking, and other times I'm nearly in tears. It's a great group of friends we have here. Somebody mentioned they need a life because they're here everyday. I'd venture to say this place is a part of your life. That certainly is true for me!

If you're reading this, you're the reason why I do this, why it's so enjoyable for me. You make it worthwhile.

Thanks for being here!

[K_Mac]

To quote Clint Eastwood's line in Heartbreak Ridge, "This does not mean we are going to be taking long, warm showers together."  :

[Clayton]

Thanks for the gracious words.  I have been a member for about a year and I myslef would like to thank everyone for being so generous in their knowledge and hospitality.

[Clayton]

Oh yeah one more thing, I am going to Fork about week eralier than you guys, so I will bless the waters and the fish for ya.

[Guest avid]

Went a little heavy on the THC there, did you Avid? LOL

Nah, (darn)  

I was feeling sorry for myself about having to go through another shoulder surgery, and to snap myself out it I recalled how BassResource.com kept me connected to the game while I was benched.

I decided to go public with some mushy sentiment.

Ask Muddyman,  he'll tell you.

It's an Italian thing.

avid.

PS >  Ifa you no like is no problem.  Thatsa why God gave you two kneecap.  :-*